Mandarin Oriental
Paris
A modern sanctuary on Rue Saint-Honoré
The luxury hotel market in Paris changed starting in the 2010s. Asian hotel groups came in. Peninsula, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental—all three opened within those years. I've stayed at all three. Mandarin Oriental opened in June 2011, at 251 Rue Saint-Honoré. My first visit was winter 2013, most recent was last autumn.
The location is beyond reproach. Turn left out the door, 150 meters to Place Vendôme. Turn right, 250 meters to Tuileries Garden. 10-minute walk to the Champs-Élysées. The Louvre is also close.
The building itself is from the 1930s. The exterior is Art Deco style, restored by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The interior is completely different. Sybille de Margerie did the interior design, she made the rooms very modern, using lots of silk and lacquerware. The furniture was designed by Bruno de Caumont.
I don't like Shangri-La's style. Too traditional, too much gold, looks like the Qing Dynasty. Peninsula also goes the old-school route. Mandarin Oriental takes the Park Hyatt modern approach. Clean, simple lines, no excess.
Rooms
135 rooms total, 96 guest rooms plus 39 suites. 7 are duplexes. I've stayed twice in a Deluxe Suite, once in a Mandarin Room. Deluxe Suite now lists at 3,069 euros per night. It wasn't this expensive when I first stayed.
Soundproofing is well done. 500-thread-count sheets. Every room has a Nespresso machine. Toiletries are Frédéric Malle. TV and audio are Bang & Olufsen. These amenities are standard at this price point, nothing special.
The Deluxe Suite I stayed in faced the garden. Has a separate living room. Bathroom has both tub and shower. Plenty of space, over 60 square meters.
One issue. Some TripAdvisor reviews say sheets are worn out, some say they were overcharged 151 euros for breakfast. I haven't encountered these problems myself. The hotel ranks 244th among Paris's 1,871 hotels—not a high ranking. George V at a similar price point ranks much higher.
Thierry Marx's Restaurant
Head chef Thierry Marx. This man spent many years in Japan, came back and started doing molecular gastronomy. He oversees all F&B at the hotel, including Sur Mesure, Camélia, Bar 8, and the pastry shop.
Sur Mesure
Two Michelin stars. Design by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku.
Camélia
Sur Mesure has two Michelin stars. Restaurant design by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. All-white walls, glass partition in the middle, like a fish tank. The restroom is bright orange, very striking.
I went for dinner once. Six-course tasting menu. The truffle cappuccino was excellent—his signature dish. Lobster miso and wagyu cost extra, a bit stingy. The quail was slightly dry. The final Saint-Honoré dessert was good.
Some think molecular gastronomy is outdated. Some think this deconstructionist stuff has been done to death. I partially agree. Marx's food does have that early 2010s feel. But the technique is still there. Service is excellent, more staff than guests.
Camélia is the all-day restaurant, simpler, 45 euros gets you a 45-minute business lunch. Garden seating is lovely in good weather.
The pastry shop is called Saint Honoré, because the hotel address is on Rue Saint-Honoré. The street is named after the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs. Marx's Saint-Honoré puff pastry is the signature item.
Bar 8
Bar 8 has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor courtyard garden is very quiet—having a space like this in central Paris is rare. People drink champagne there in the evenings. I've been twice, cocktails are competent but unremarkable.
Spa
The spa center is on two basement levels, 900 square meters. Has a 14-meter pool—long enough for proper swimming. Turkish bath and steam room included. Private spa suites have their own steam shower and changing room. Couples suite has a mosaic-tiled vitality pool.
They use Guerlain products. Various massages and facials available. I had an Oriental Essence massage once, 90 minutes, therapist's technique was good.
You need to change into slippers to enter the spa. No one under 16 allowed. Children under 3 cannot use the pool. These rules are on their website.
In 2023 they won the World Luxury Spa Awards for Best Unique Experience Spa in France.
Compared to Competitors
Paris now has three Asian luxury hotel group flagships. Shangri-La is in the 16th arrondissement, occupying Prince Roland Bonaparte's former residence, with Eiffel Tower views. Peninsula is on the other side of the 16th, in a 1908 building. Mandarin Oriental is in the 1st, closest to city center.
Shangri-La goes the classical route, lots of gilding, lots of crystal chandeliers. Suits those who like traditional luxury. Peninsula also leans traditional, with that 1900s Paris feel. Mandarin Oriental is the most modern of the three.
Shangri-La
16th Arrondissement
Classical route. Lots of gilding, crystal chandeliers. For those who prefer traditional luxury. Eiffel Tower views.
Peninsula
16th Arrondissement
Traditional leaning, with that 1900s Paris feel. Historic 1908 building.
Mandarin Oriental
1st Arrondissement
The most modern of the three. Best central location. Clean lines, no excess.
If you ask me which is worth staying at—depends what style you like. Want Eiffel Tower views, stay at Shangri-La. Want the best location, stay at Mandarin Oriental. Want that old Paris feeling, stay at Peninsula.
Mandarin Oriental's issue is prices have risen too fast. When it opened in 2011, you could stay for 700-something euros a night. Now base rooms are over 1,300 euros, suites start at 3,000. This price isn't the highest among Paris palace hotels—Four Seasons and Bristol are pricier. But value for money isn't what it used to be.
Other Details
Pets
Hotel allows pets, no extra charge, but must notify in advance with pet's name and weight.
Breakfast
Breakfast has Chinese and Japanese options. This is uncommon at French hotels in Paris.
Meeting Rooms
Four meeting rooms, all named after teas: Jasmin, Darjeeling, Oolong, Ginseng. Largest is 70 square meters, three are 40 square meters. Views of the interior garden.
Private Events
Sixth floor has a terrace available for private events.
From CDG Airport
31 kilometers from Charles de Gaulle airport, about 36 minutes drive depending on traffic.
To Versailles
16 kilometers to Versailles.
The Verdict
To be honest. This hotel isn't cheap. TripAdvisor ranking isn't the highest either. Some readers have encountered billing issues. Some say rooms are worn.
My own experience has been positive. Great location, great design, great spa, Marx's food is interesting. The doormen and concierge are genuinely professional.
If your budget allows and you want a modern-style high-end Paris hotel, Mandarin Oriental is worth considering. If budget is tight, or you value traditional Parisian charm more, look elsewhere.